New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-02-13

evolut iOnnry Glamcr5aIishiIe. 1t was Held
night for the dsestablishers and disendowers, and
there seemed no chance, humanity speaking, that
The debate would lie terminated within any reas-
enable moderate period. At last, about
quarter to .. the Bishop took his watch casually
from his pocket. BLESS my soul - lie cried in
surprise to his right reverend companion, II
must really be going. l hadn't the least idea the
time had gone so fast. MIS-. Brandrcth will posi-
lively be wondering what has become Of me-"
There were several cabs outside the House. but
IL was fair, clear, star-lit night, and the Bishop
on the whole being chilly with horror, preferred
wallling. IL would stretch his episcopal legs q
little after such long spell Of sitting to walk
from Whitehall down to Eaton Place. SO he
walked on along the silent streets till he 10
the corner of st. Peters Church.
Then an awful thought suddenly flashed across
his bewldcrcd mind. Which house did he ac-
tually live In? Yes, yes. 1t was too true. lie
had forgotten TO notice or to ask the number.
II the Bishop had been little more a man OF
the world he would. no doubt, have walked of to
the nearest hotel returned 30 the House ana
thrown himself upon the hospitality of the first
met among his spiritual compccrs. But he doubted
whether il would be quite professional to knock
up the night-porter of the Grosvenor at . in the
morning and demand bed without luggage or
Introduction while. os TO his episcopal brethren
he would hardly like 10 ask them for shelter
under such unpleasant and humiliatinS circum-
stances. The Bishop hesitatcd, and the bishop
who hcsitatcs is lost Nothing but an unfalter-
ing confidence in oil his own opinions and actions
can carry bishop through the snares and
pitfalls of modern life. lie felt In his pocket for
the unused latch-kcy Yes. there it was, safe
enough but what door was 10 meant TO open? The
Bishop remembered nothing on earth about It,.
Mrs. BrandIeth had met him at Faddington that
morning with his own carriage. and he rccolected
distinctly that she had given John merely the
usual laconic direction "IIome." When lie
came out that afternoon. absorbed rs he was by
the proceedings Of the Glamorganshirc DiSsentcrs
and distracted somewhat by side reflections about
Iris's love affairs he hadn't even had time to no.
ticc 40 which end OF the street his own hired
house happened to be situated. There was clearly
only one way out Of the difficulty; he must try
all the doors. one after another, and which one
that particular latch-Iey was intended TO open.
Walking up cautiously to the corner house the
Bishop tried TO stick that unfortunate key boldly
Into the l<ey-hole. II was too large. Non pos
sumus," the Bishop murmured with n placid
smile-it Is professional TO smile under trying cir
cumsances-and With his slow and stately tread
descended the steps to try the next one. The
next one succeeded a trile better II is true, but
not completely. The key-holc quito big
enough. TO be sure, but the wards stubbornly re-
fused to yield 10 the gentle and dcNterous cpisco-
pal pressure. In vain did the Bishop deity re-
turn to the charge Just II IL visitation ::
in vain did he and twist and turn and
whecdlc those stff-ncclted wards obstr,icted his
passage as rudely and stoutly rs though they had
been uncompromising Glamorganshirc nissenters
Baflcd but not dishcartened the Bishop turned
tentatively TO the third door. Oh Joy The key
fits II moves II withdraws the bolt readily
from the clencher The Bishop pushed the door
gently. Disappointment once more The door
was evidently locked and fastened. '"This situa-
ton begins TO grow ridiculous" thought the
Bishop. "Onc can almost enter family by proxy
into the personal feelings OF our misguided broth
err, the enterpriSng burglar -
On the Bishop went, trying door after door
down the whole south side Of Eaton Place till he
had almost reached the very end. ID was GER
tainly absurd. and what moro, II was pain
fully monOonOus. IL made n man feel like q
thief in the right. The Bishop couldn't help
CHANGING furtivcly around him and wondering
what any OF his dioccsans would say il only they
could see their right reverend superior In this
humiliating and undignied position. His hand
positively trenbled rs no tried the last door but
five and when It proved but one more failure to
add 10 the long list OF his mlsfortuncs he took q
sidelong look to right and left. and seeing n light
still burning fccbly within the hall. Inc applied for
n second his own keen episcopal eye with great
reluctance to tho big Scy-hole.
Next moment he felt heavy hand clapped
forcibly upon HIS right shoulder, and turning
round he tho burly figure of elderly po-
liccman, with inquisitive bull's-eyc turned full
upon him in the most orthodox fashion.
"NOw then, my man. tho Policeman SAID
you've got 10 come along with me, take 1t
I've been watching you all the way down the
street and | know what you're up TO. You're
lettering about with intent TO commit a felony.
that's just about the size Of what you're dom.
DR. Brandreth drew himself up to his full height
and answered in his sevcrcst tone My good fell
low, you arc quite mistaken. I am the Bishop Of
Winchester. / don't remember tho exact num-
Der Of my own door and I've been trying the
latchley. on my return from the House of Lords.
TO see which kcy-holc it happened to OPEN"
Tho policeman smiled professional smile Of
wncgish incrcdulty. "Bshop, indeed he
echoed contcmptuously Blouse Of Lords EX-
act number Cannon and spinach Very well
GOT up indeed, Specially the lcsgin's. But it
won't 90 down. It's been tried on af1re. Bish-
ops Is played out, my man, tell YOU | s'rosc.
now, you've just been dnn with the Prince Of
Wales and havin little private con, crsation at
lambeth Palace with the Archbishop of Cantcr
bury = And the policeman winked the wink Of
a knowing at his plcasautries with IN
mense satisfaction.
CONSTABLE" the Bishop said stcrnly. "this
lcvity Is out Of place. II you do not believe me
10 bc what my dress lrocaims mc. then you
should at least take ne into custody a suspIc-
ious person without insulting my character and
dignity. Go down with me TO the Houses Of Par
lament In n cab and Will prove to you that
you are quite mistaken.
The policeman put his finger ridcly TO the 81 le
OF hlH nose "NHtiHclef ana dignity he lcihcu
with unbccoming amusement" character and dig
nifty indeed Why, my good man. know YOU
well enough. don't you trouble yourself. My
mates and me. we've been looIin for you here
this three months. Think | don't remember you
oh, but | do though. Why, you're the rarity as
got into n private house in limlico last year a.
representa- yourself 10 he doctor, an cribbcd a
gold watch and ole lot of real silver from the
unsuspedin' family. Come along with me,
Bishop, I'm a-eoing TO take your reverence right
OFF down TO the station"
The poor Bishop tcmpoIizcl and eNpostulatcd
but all 10 no purp &C. lie even vcnturcd, sorcly
anst his conscience, to try the effect OF silver
key in unlocking the hard heart OF the mistaken
const able, but that virtuous officer with much
spirit Indignantly rcpudiatcd any such insidious
assaults upon his professional incoIruptibli.y.
The Bishop inwardly grOancd and followed him.